“Amazon’s ‘Invincible’ Surprises with Word-of-Mouth Success, Says EP Marge Dean at MIA Market”

With a budget smaller than a squirrel’s rainy-day savings and marketing so scarce it makes a disappearing act look amateur, this show has become a sensation through sheer word of mouth. Marge Dean, the Executive Producer (EP) and head honcho at Skybound Entertainment’s Animation Studio, spilled the beans at a recent event.

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Budget Battle Royale

First things first, let’s talk budget. “Invincible” and “The Boys” might both be Amazon Prime’s superhero offerings, but they’re about as different as a caped crusader and a banana peel. “The Boys” rolls in the dough, with a budget that could put Scrooge McDuck’s money bin to shame. In contrast, “Invincible” operates on a shoestring budget, as if someone handed them a couple of pennies and a piece of string to make a show.

David vs. Goliath (and Some Superheroes)

But here’s the kicker: “Invincible” has occasionally strutted its stuff right alongside “The Boys” in Amazon’s top-five most-watched shows. It’s like the little engine that could, chugging up the mountain with all the determination of a caffeine-fueled squirrel.

The show’s first season, which took flight in 2021, introduced us to Mark Grayson, a 17-year-old who morphs into a superhero under the guidance of his father, Omni-Man, the mightiest hero on the block. With stars like J.K. Simmons, Sandra Oh, and Steven Yeun, it’s no wonder this series caught some serious attention. And guess what? Season two is coming in November, so mark your calendars, folks!

Marketing Mystery

Now, picture this: Marge Dean scratching her head and admitting, “I love Amazon, they’re great, but there was barely any marketing for this show.” It’s like throwing a surprise party for yourself but not telling anyone where it is. “Invincible” just popped up on our screens, and many of us had no clue what was coming.

But here’s the fun part: “Invincible” managed to rope in an audience that wouldn’t normally touch this genre with a ten-foot pole. It’s like convincing your grandma to try spicy food—surprising and impressive.

AI in Animation: Spaghetti on the Wall

In her keynote speech, Marge Dean took a detour into the world of AI in animation. She painted a vivid picture: AI is like a chef trying to make spaghetti by throwing it at the kitchen wall and hoping it sticks. It’s messy, unpredictable, and often leaves a strange taste in your mouth.

According to Dean, AI can’t quite animate yet. It’s like that friend who can’t dance but insists on joining the conga line. But, here’s the twist: she doesn’t see AI as a supervillain bent on destroying creativity. Instead, she sees potential. “It’s only a danger to creativity if we let it be,” she said, raising a virtual eyebrow.

Adult Animation: Breaking Free from the Kiddie Corner

Dean wrapped up her passionate speech by championing adult animation. She’s had enough of it being crammed into the “kids and comedy” box like an old toy in the attic. She’s got a point! After all, famous directors like Guillermo del Toro, Wes Anderson, and Richard Linklater are diving headfirst into animation. They’ve got the “bug.”

At its core, adult animation tackles real themes and emotions while delivering a thrilling story. So, the next time someone scoffs at cartoons, remind them that it’s a world where superheroes thrive and where spaghetti can be art.

And that’s a wrap, folks! Keep an eye out for “Invincible” season two, and remember, it’s okay to throw spaghetti on the wall, as long as you don’t mistake it for art. Buon appetito!